Scugog Updates Film Policy as TV Productions Continue to Roll Into Port Perry

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

SCUGOG: The Township is updating the way film and television productions operate within the municipality, following Council approval of a revised Film Policy, during its meeting, on the evening of Monday, May 25th.

Included in the meeting’s agenda was a staff report, from Lori Bowers, Director of Communications and Strategic Projects, outlining proposed changes, aimed at supporting continued economic opportunities tied to the film industry, while protecting residents, businesses, and municipal operations.

Scugog has increasingly become a sought-after filming destination for television productions, particularly in downtown Port Perry, with several productions returning for repeat shoots in recent years.

“The Township of Scugog continues to experience interest from the film and television industry, particularly for television series filming, in downtown Port Perry and surrounding areas,” Ms. Bowers noted, in her report to Council.

According to the report, film and television production activity generated approximately $415,000, in documented direct local spending, between 2022 and 2025. That figure includes location fees, permit revenues, parking rentals, hall rentals, BIA payments, and community donations. However, municipal staff said, the total economic impact is likely significantly higher, once restaurant, retail, fuel, accommodation, and other indirect spending has been considered.

Council heard, three television productions were filmed in Scugog during 2025 alone, with most activity concentrated in downtown Port Perry, including along Queen Street.

Ms. Bowers told Council, “The municipality has been successful in securing larger productions which come with larger budgets and often additional lead time to allow work with the community for notice and compensation,” she explained, referencing provisions included in the new appendix, relating to the Downtown Port Perry Business Improvement Area (BIA).

A major component of the updated policy is the introduction of a formal Appendix “A,” which establishes detailed requirements for filming within the Downtown Port Perry BIA. The appendix was developed in consultation with the BIA, to create clearer expectations around filming schedules, business communication, compensation, and traffic impacts.

Among the new provisions are limits on filming duration, restrictions during busy tourism and retail periods, and standardized fees, payable to the BIA for on-street filming activity.

The updated rules state, productions within the downtown core will be limited to five consecutive days and will generally only be permitted from Monday through Thursday. Productions will also be prohibited during holidays, special community events, and throughout the month of December.

Ms. Bowers noted, the December blackout period was specifically included to avoid disruptions during the downtown’s busiest shopping season.

“There will be no filming in the BIA area during December, so as not to interfere with business operations during Scugog’s busy holiday shopping season,” she said.

Under the revised policy, production companies filming within the BIA will pay $500 per day for on-street filming activity. Businesses impacted by filming will also be able to negotiate compensation, directly with production companies, for storefront use, window alterations, or potential loss of sales.

The policy also strengthens communication requirements, including: advance notice to businesses and residents, consultation with the BIA, and coordination with Township departments and Durham Region when road occupancy permits or traffic management plans are required.

Township staff emphasized the broader tourism and branding benefits, associated with film activity. Productions filmed in Port Perry and across Scugog are distributed nationally and internationally, showcasing the community’s historic downtown, waterfront, and rural landscapes to wide audiences.

“Film and television production represents an important economic development opportunity for the Township of Scugog,” Ms. Bowers stated. “Film exposure also provides longer-term benefits, by promoting Port Perry and Scugog as tourism destinations.”

The revised Film Policy officially took effect, following Council approval, on May 25th.